The VPEN Stylus is a fully compatible EMR pencil and eraser for the reMarkable 2 tablet. The EMR pen’s reasonable price and high performance make this a must have accessory.
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Credentials to write this interview
I’ve been using the reMarkable 2 paper tablet for the past 3 years and have tested a number of different EMR pens as well as Nibs during that time. I use my reMarkable for my day job (strategy and consulting), as well as for finding new ways to use the device for the EffectivExec website.
I have tested the V-PEN for multiple weeks in my home office, on planes, and while traveling for work.
V-Pen EMR Stylus Overview
The VPEN or (V-PEN) is an EMR stylus that features a magnetic attachment and built in eraser. The EMR technology in the VPEN provides the full 4096 pressure levels which are now standard for EMR pens. Like all EMR pens, it is compatible with the the reMarkable 2’s palm rejection and does not require a separate battery or charge to function.
The VPEN comes with 5 replacement nibs (in addition to the installed one) and a NIB replacement tool.
V-PEN EMR Stylus Review
V-PEN feel and look
The v-PEN looks EXTREMELY similar to the OEM reMarkable Marker Plus. Both EMR pens are matte black, feature an eraser, and have replaceable nibs. Additionally, both styli have a similar weight (or hand feel) to them. One notable area of difference is the material finish. The Marker Plus has a rougher material feel, while the V-PEN has a smoother finish.
I prefer the Marker Plus’s feel (it’s a touch less ‘slippery’) but in a blind test it would be difficult to differentiate the two tools.
EMR stylus writing & erasing performance
Over the past weeks, I’ve completely substituted the VPEN stylus for my usual Marker Plus. It’s nearly indistinguishable while writing notes or drawing on the reMarkable 2.
The VPEN nibs (more on what an EMR nib is here) have a very similar level of resistance on the reMarkable surface to the OEM nibs. The resistance provides the tactile feel of writing on paper (and something that the Staedtler Noris Digital Jumbo series lacks).
The built in eraser has a clean design and works as advertised. I had no issues erasing written text or doodles.
Other thoughts on the VPEN for reMarkable
Since the VPEN is shaped similar to the OEM reMarkable Marker & Marker Plus, it adapts well into reMarkable accessories. The VPEN integrates well into reMarkable covers (like the excellent COBAK reMarkable cover) because of it’s shape and magnet to attach to the reMarkable 2. This differentiates this pen from many other EMR styli because it replicates the good “grip” of the original marker.
Long term performance of the VPEN
After almost daily use of the VPEN for 4 weeks, I chose to preemptively replace the EMR nib (process is super similar to the Stadler Noris Digital Jumbo). Other than that (which was expected), my VPEN looks perfectly new and has not had any issues. The nibs seem to be compatible between the reMarkable nibs and the 5 that shipped with the VPEN (I haven’t located any separate nibs marketed directly by VPEN)
Review: the VPEN is an excellent replacement reMarkable EMR Stylus
Overall, I highly recommend the VPEN EMR stylus for the reMarkable 2. I had no performance issues with the stylus and my only nitpick is the smooth finish on the outside of the shaft. I’m more than willing to compromise on that minor issue for an affordable one-for-one replacement of the reMarkable Marker Plus.
FAQs for the Group Vertical VPEN
No! The VPEN utilizes EMR technology (read more about that here), which leverages emitted power from the tablet to make the stylus work.
The VPEN is sold by Vertical Group, out of Grand Rapids, Michigan
According to the packaging and website, the VPEN is manufactured in China but designed in America.
Yes! The VPEN is fully compatible with the reMarkable 1 (though eraser doesn’t work on RM1) and reMarkable 2 tablets.
The writing function on the VPEN is fully functional with most EMR tablets (full list below). Note that the integrated EMR eraser does not work most non-reMarkable tablets.
